Redland mayor welcomes state adviser as internal council battles grow

The state government will install a governance adviser at Redland City Council, triggering major scrutiny of the council after months of internal conflict, complaints and leadership tensions.

The state government has parachuted an adviser into Redland City Council starting this month after friction between staff, the CEO Louise Rusan and Mayor Jos Mitchell.

The state government will parachute a governance adviser into Redland City Council after months of rising tension, walkouts and complaints about behaviour.

The independent adviser will remain in place until late May and will be tasked with examining the council’s leadership, decision-making and day-to-day conduct.

The adviser will be situated at the council’s chambers in Bloomfield St, Cleveland, to help with mediation between councillors, the mayor and staff.

The adviser will pay close attention to the performance and interactions of Mayor Jos Mitchell, councillors, and senior executives.

The move follows a long stretch of fiery meetings, claims of councillor conflict and growing pressure from inside and outside council chambers.

One councillor, who asked not to be named, claimed the mayor “created the narrative that she doesn’t attend workshops in person because she doesn’t ‘feel safe’.”

Mayor Jos Mitchell, who was briefed before her colleagues and dialled into a meeting with state government representatives, told this masthead she welcomed the intervention.

Deputy mayor Julie Talty, left, will step in from today while mayor Jos Mitchell, right, attends a family funeral this week. The state government adviser will be based at the council chambers from this month until May.

She said the move was a proactive step forward to try to improve professional relationships and professional conduct.

“I welcome the Department of Local Government’s decision to appoint a governance adviser to Redland City Council,” she said.

“Over the past year, I have raised a number of concerns regarding aspects of Redland City Council and councillor conduct.

“I have also previously spoken of my personal belief that, at the very least, a governance adviser is needed.”

Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, the mayor said she had been calling for this type of help for months.

“Yeah, I’m really happy about this,” she said.

“The department has been providing support to councillors … this is the next step in the department providing mediation.”

She stressed the move was not a takeover or a dismissal.

“No one’s getting sacked. It’s providing assistance.”

Ms Mitchell will temporarily hand over duties to Deputy Mayor Julie Talty while she takes personal leave following a family bereavement.